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HAL Takes Delivery of ms Koningsdam

Open Jaw

01.04.16

Holland America Line took delivery of ms Koningsdam yesterday, officially making it the first Pinnacle-Class ship in the fleet. The signing ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.

Next up, the ship will make its way to Civitavecchia (Rome), for its first voyage, departing 8APR. Following a series of Mediterranean voyages, Koningsdam’sofficial naming ceremony will take place in Rotterdam on 20MAY.

“Today is a day of celebration for the entire Holland America Line family, and a milestone in our company history. We all share in this proud moment as we welcomeKoningsdam toour fleet,” said president Orlando Ashford.

“Koningsdam looks spectacular, beyond our expectations, and we thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment in bringingour vision to life.”

The ship will be based in Amsterdam this summer, offering a series of northern Europe and Baltic cruises before returning to the Med in September. In the fall, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will homeport at Port Everglades and spend the season exploring the Caribbean.

The 99,500-ton vessel accommodates 2,650 guests and features Holland America Line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travellers among its 1,331 staterooms. Koningsdam debuts several new concepts, public spaces and venues for the line, while still featuring popular amenities guests associate the HAL experience

There are new fine-dining options at alternative restaurants Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie, and an immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine.

Grand Dutch Cafe debuts onboard with traditional Dutch treats and European beer, while a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations is designed to enhance the buffet experience. The main dining room is a focal point of the ship and HAL favourites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and the pan-Asian Tamarind return.

Music is a Koningsdam highlight, with the ‘Music Walk’ area featuring multiple genres showcased in venues including: Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea.